Minimal Change Nephropathy

Minimal Change Nephropathy (MCN) is the basic primary glomerulonephritis subsisting under the Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome (INS), which is characterized by massive selective proteinuria, hypercholesterolemia and generalized edema. MCN is present in more than 80% of children with INS and in less than 10% of adult patients with INS. Familial forms of NS are caused by genetic defects. Clinical and experimental data including production of several cytokines from circulating T cells and disturbances of the podocyte antigens support autoimmune pathogenesis in non-familial forms of MCN. The natural history of the disease may vary widely, but proteinuria is the cardinal prognosis factor in renal outcome.